Lake Burley Griffin
Canberra, Australia Capital Authority
Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin is at the heart of the capital, providing the focal point around which much of the city’s official and recreational life revolves. Formed by the damming of the Molonglo River in 1963—about half a century after Canberra’s founding—it’s now difficult to imagine the city without the defining body of water.
The basics
Lake Burley Griffin is around 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) long, with around 25 miles (40 kilometers) of shoreline. You can walk, jog, or cycle around its perimeter; take to the water on a kayak, pedal boat, or other vessel; or admire the chimes of the National Carillon.
Canberra is a well-planned city, and the views across the lake have been artfully aligned from various directions: admire the views across to Parliament House from the southern side of Lake Burley Griffin or to the Australian War Memorial and Mount Ainslie from the northern side. Many of Canberra’s top institutions are arranged around the lake, too, including the National Museum, National Gallery, National Library, and Questacon.
Things to know before you go
Canberra can reach incredibly high temperatures in summer; take plenty of water, sunblock, and a hat for outdoor activities.
The lake has a long perimeter, so rent a bike or join a Segway tour to explore its length.
On Sundays, check out the Old Bus Depot Markets on the southeastern corner of the lake.
How to get there
Lake Burley Griffin is in the center of Canberra, separating the civic center and university area of the north from the parliamentary zone in the south. Many roads lead down to the lake or else provide views of it, so you’ll never be far away.
When to get there
Lake Burley Griffin can be enjoyed in all seasons and at all times of day. Many people like to watch the sunset from the lake, or if it's summer, take a stroll in the cooler morning or evening air. Canberra experiences very hot summers and colder-than-average winters (for Australia), so plan outdoor activities with this in mind.
Captain Cook Memorial Jet
Many first-time visitors to Canberra are surprised by the plume of water they see shooting from the center of Lake Burley Griffin. This isn’t a twister or storm cloud! It’s the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, a fountain that shoots water 500 feet (150 meters) into the air. During special occasions, it may be lit up with a different color. The best place to photograph it is the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point.
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